How Sam Darnold felt after FaceTiming with new Jets head coach Adam Gase

Darnold reportedly believes Gase is 'the right guy'

Jan 10 | 11:51AM

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New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold unsnaps his helmet as he heads to the bench during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. (Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports)

Jets quarterback Sam Darnold reportedly believes Adam Gase is "the right guy" to be head coach.

Darnold FaceTimed with Gase on Monday night and felt he was a good fit to replace Todd Bowles, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.

In fact, he is ecstatic to work with his new head coach.

"I couldn't be more excited about this, to be honest with you," Darnold told the Daily News' Manish Mehta. "I'm really pumped about this opportunity to be with Coach Gase. ...with his mind and ability to lead a team. He's a good dude. The excitement and the passion that he has for the game is very contagious. I think that wil rub off on a lot of the guys...I'm super pumped about this whole thing and couldn't be more stoked for the opportunity."

Cimini added the 21-year-old Darnold did not "impose his opinion" on the team's front office, including GM Mike Maccagnan, but Gase's work with past quarterbacks, including Peyton Manning, helps speak for itself.

Manning actually called Jets CEO Christopher Johnson to back Gase as well. After all, Manning threw for a career-high 55 touchdowns and 5,477 passing yards en route to a Super Bowl title at age 37 with Gase as Denver's offensive coordinator.

So what can the Jets expect from Gase? Darnold believes his passion for the game and his team will show immediately.

"He's very fiery," Darnold said about Gase. "I love that about him. I love the passion that he brings. At the same time, I'm going to be me. He'll just bring a certain attitude to this team that we need. I'm really looking forward to hearing his ideas and what he thinks might work best, what he thinks I do well, what we want to utilize in terms of running an offense."

Gase and Darnold will be working very closely, as the Jets wanted to bring a head coach in that could groom Darnold into the successful franchise quarterback they envisioned when they called his name in last year's Draft. Gase may not have developed a young quarterback in his NFL years, but he was able to get an aging Manning to a Super Bowl. And when Ryan Tannehill was healthy in his first season as Dolphins head coach, he led his team to the playoffs with a 10-6 record.

Darnold realizes that part of Gase's resume, and he doesn't see why he can't be added to it as well.

"Coach Gase has done amazing things not with just quarterbacks, but offense in general," Darnold said. "I think we can take this a long way. There's a lot to be excited about. There's a lot of points that are going to be scored."

Gase becomes the first offensive-minded head coach the Jets hired since Rich Kotite, which may bode well for the Jets' franchise quarterback.

In his rookie year, Darnold threw for 2,865 yards, 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 13 games. Darnold missed three games with a sprained foot midway through the season, but in four weeks after returning, he threw for 931 yards, six touchdowns and one interception with one lost fumble, completing 64 percent of his passes.

4 players Jets could take in NFL Draft if they trade down

Mike Maccagnan could still get elite defensive help further down

As expected, the Jets have been extremely busy in free agency as the lead into the NFL Draft. And when late April comes around, New York has great position at No. 3 to add another immediate impact player for next season.

But with that high draft pick and the Jets already settled in the quarterback department, GM Mike Maccagnan will certainly be listening to phone calls to potentially make a trade to move down.

The Jets will likely be looking for a defensive playmaker with that third overall selection, and though players like DE Josh Allen and DE Nick Bosa are in the conversation in the Top 3, there are still plenty more elite prospects to choose from. But, if all signs point to the Cardinals selecting QB Kyler Murray first overall, the Jets would likely keep that No. 3 pick to get either Allen or Bosa.

The Jets have found their backup quarterback as QB Trevor Siemian signed a one-year deal with the team, his agent Mike McCartney confirming via Twitter. Siemian's deal has a $2 million base salary that could reach $3 million with incentives.

With veteran QB Josh McCown still undecided as to whether he wants to play next season, the Jets brought in an experience backup for Sam Darnold now in Siemian to fill out the depth chart. Davis Webb, who was acquired off waivers when the Giants cut him last year, is also under contract for the 2019 season.

The 27-year-old wanted a change of scenery as the Vikings were interested in bringing him back for another season to sit behind Kirk Cousins. However, he is now joining Gang Green and provides the Jets with more than just a serviceable option in case something happens to Darnold.

La Canfora speculates that the play for the Redskins could be to trade from No. 15 to get the Jets' pick at No. 3. That would allow them to jump ahead of the Giants at No. 6 and snatch Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins from them (if he is indeed who the Giants are targeting).

Aside from the Giants and Redskins as candidates who could try to deal with the Jets for No. 3, La Canfora mentions the Broncos and Jaguars, but doubts either would do it.

The new Jets running back, who signed a four-year, $52.5 million deal with $35 million guaranteed, is ready for a fresh new start in New York while leaving behind some ugly memories in Pittsburgh where he chose to sit out the entire 2019 season.

But it was more than just about the money for Bell.

While he previously detailed the roller-coaster of the last year he had negotiating with the Steelers, the 27-year-old opened up a little more about his experience in Pittsburgh on the field and in the locker room during an interview with Sports Illustrated -- particularly how the organization compares with the Jets, from whom he immediately felt a different vibe than he never had with the Steelers.

Jets' Le'Veon Bell says Steelers holdout was supposed to only be for Week 1

Bell admitted being nervous he wouldn't be welcomed by team

Mar 19 | 9:09PM

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Le'Veon Bell (Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports)

Jets new RB Le'Veon Bell was under tons of scrutiny last season for holding out from the Steelers, and declining to sign his franchise tag to play in 2018. But that wasn't his initial plan as he headed into the season.

In an interview with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler this weekend, Bell said he had every intention to return to Steelers camp during the Week 7 bye. But it looks like Bell actually wanted to return to the team after Week 1 following an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated.

"At first I was literally thinking like, 'I don't want to play camp and OTAs' because of the hurt in my body and I'm like, 'I'm not playing,'" Bell told Sports Illustrated's Jenny Vrentas. "When Week 1 comes, I'm going to come, but the things that kind of led up to Week 1, I starting thinking, 'I'm not going to play Week 1.' After even Week 1, it started to build up and it's not making me feel comfortable."

With Le'Veon Bell a new centerpiece in the Jets' offense, the organization brought back two familiar faces to strengthen their blocking schemes Tuesday.

New York re-signed offensive lineman Bren Qvale and tight end Eric Tomlinson, who primarily operates as a blocking tight end in the offense. The team also confirmed the signing of tight endDaniel Brown.

Tomlinson ended last season on injured reserve after he dropped a weight on his foot. Before that, he made 12 starts and appeared in 15 games, and served as a special teams contributor. He first joined the Jets in 2016 and has played in 36 games total with 16 catches for 193 yards and one career touchdown.

Jets sign former Bears TE Daniel Brown

Bears spent most of 2018 on special teams

Mar 18 | 10:39PM

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Chicago Bears tight end Trey Burton celebrates with tight end Daniel Brown after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Soldier Field. (Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports)

The Jets signed former Bears and Ravens tight end Daniel Brown to a contract, according to his agent.

Brown, 26, played in 14 games last season but did not record a completion on offense. He spent most of his time on special teams.

Since debuting with Baltimore in 2015, Brown has 35 catches for 317 yards and one touchdown.

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Former Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick lands with AFC East rival

36-year-old signs two-year, $11-million deal with Miami

Mar 17 | 3:07PM

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New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) prepares to throw the ball against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Brad Penner)

Ryan Fitzpatrick's renaissance behind center will bring him back to the AFC East.

The QB signed a two-year, $11-million deal with Miami on Sunday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and other reports. Fitzpatrick quarterbacked the Jets for two seasons in 2015 and 2016 before heading to Tampa Bay for two years.

His new contract, though, gives him the chance to face his old team twice a year. It will be his third go-around in the division; he played four seasons in Buffalo.

While the Le'Veon Bell signing received the most attention, the biggest financial outlay for the Jets this offseason was the C.J. Mosley deal. The former Baltimore Ravens linebacker signed a five-year contract worth up to $85 million. Will it prove to be worth it though?

There's no doubting Mosley's talent, as he's been a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in four of his five seasons. The Ravens went to the postseason twice in those five years with Mosley anchoring their defense, including an AFC North division title win in 2018. He has nine interceptions, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in his career, so he should provide some impact plays.

The Jets are most likely to employ Mosley as the middle linebacker in Gregg Williams' new system. In fact, there's a good chance Williams may have identified Mosley as an ideal central cog to install his scheme around. Ideally, he would have had Anthony Barr as well, but that move obviously fell apart at the 11th hour. Another clue as to how important the Jets saw having a player of Mosley's caliber on the team comes from the size of his contract.

New Jets RB Le'Veon Bell details roller-coaster Steelers holdout

Bell nearly returned midseason until learning of rule from social media

Mar 16 | 6:48PM

New Jets running back Le'Veon Bell had every intention of returning to the Steelers during their Week 7 bye to sign his franchise tender, hit the field several weeks later and play out the rest of the season, believing he had no other choice if he wanted an accrued season in order to hit free agency this year.

But in an interview with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Bell revealed that he learned from social media that he didn't need to play at all to hit free agency as long as the Steelers didn't tag him again. Once he confirmed that with his agent, his goal to remain off the field the whole season to preserve his health for more guaranteed money was back in play.

"That was the biggest mix-up the whole time," Bell told Fowler. "I thought I had to sit out until Week 10 or else they can tag me again. Around before the bye week, that's when I found out I didn't have to play."

With the recent flurry of big-name signings, the first major move of the offseason is perhaps being overlooked.

The Jets acquired two-time Pro Bowl guard Kelechi Osemele from the Raiders in exchange for a day three pick swap. Here's why that move could end up being the most important one the Jets have made this offseason.

A change in attitude

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WATCH: 'Machado Kid' Jacob Carpenter talks Yankees, Jets on BNNY

Carpenter still glad Manny Machado went elsewhere but has a problem with the Jets

Mar 15 | 7:08PM

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'Machado Kid' joins BNNY00:00:56

Jacob Carpenter went viral with his take on why he didn't want Manny Machado on the Yankees. Watch more Yankees and Jets takes on BNNY.

Nearly one month later, Jacob Carpenter's mind hasn't changed.

The "Machado Kid" who went viral in SNY's video of his reaction to Manny Machado signing with the Padres is still glad that the star infielder didn't end up with the Yankees.

"I'm definitely happy that Machado did not sign," Carpenter said while he was an in-studio guest on Baseball Night in New York.

Gang Green scored with Le'Veon Bell but how do the rest of their moves look?

The Jets put their faith in Mike Maccagnan on the day in December when they fired coach Todd Bowles. Ownership was making it clear it believed in the general manager's plan and vision. Christopher Johnson had faith that Maccagnan could carry it out.

So armed with nearly $100 million in salary cap space as they headed into free agency, Maccagnan headed into one of the most crucial offseasons this star-crossed franchise has ever had. He needed to win big. He needed some splashy signings.

And he certainly didn't disappoint.

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Jets icon Curtis Martin believes Le'Veon Bell will follow him to HOF

Bell idolized Martin growing up

Mar 15 | 9:36AM

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New York Jets former running back Curtis Martin enters the stadium for the Professional Football HOF enshrinement ceremonies at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. (Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports)

Le'Veon Bell said one of the reasons he joined the Jets was because he idolized Hall of Famer Curtis Martin growing up.

And Martin believes Bell has what it takes to follow him to Canton.

"For a guy like Le'Veon, it's not about, 'Can he make it to the Hall of Fame?' ... He's like an Adrian Peterson-like guy. Those guys, they don't have to play 12, 13, 14 years to make it to the Hall of Fame if they just work hard and take care of business now," Martin said, according to the New York Post's Steve Serby.

New York Jets running back Le'Veon Bell explains why deep down he wanted to choose the Jets. Jamal Adams' excellent recruiting also helped.

When Le'Veon Bell entered free agency this offseason, he always had the Jets on his list of desired teams. And once GM Mike Maccagnan came calling with the right offer, he knew he had to pull the trigger.

"The Jets (were) just kind of the team I had in the back of my mind where I wanted to go," Bell told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano over a conference call after the Jets made the signing official Thursday night.

But the numbers Bell agreed to came under heavy scrutiny. The Steelers offered him a five-year, $70 million deal, but after sitting out a year to keep his body fresh and hopefully increase his value on the market, he agreed to a four-year, $52.5 million contract with the Jets...

Catanzaro played for Jets in 2017

Mar 15 | 8:28AM

New York Jets kicker Chandler Catanzaro makes a field goal as punter Lac Edwards holds the ball during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

The Jets re-signed kicker Chandler Catanzaro to replace Pro Bowler Jason Myers, the team announced Friday.

Catanzaro, 28, was 16-for-20 on field goals and 30-for-35 on extra points in 13 games with the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. He was 0-for-3 between 40 and 49 yards but made all three of his attempts from at least 50 yards.

With New York in 2017, Catanzaro made 25 of 30 field goals and converted all 29 extra points. He was 12-for-17 in the 40-yard range and 2-for-2 from beyond 50.

He told his agent he would take a deal with the Jets but had immediate regrets. After a quick panic he decided to call off the wedding.

"It wasn't necessarily physically ill. It wasn't the middle of the night. It was more so when I hung up the phone after saying, 'Yeah, I can do New York.' My stomach dropped, I kind of got some cold sweats," Barr told NFL Network on Thursday.

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Jets agree to deal with free agent CB Brian Poole

Former Falcon gets one-year, $3.5 million deal to be Jets' slot corner

The Jets and cornerback Brian Poole have agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract, according to multiple reports.

The 26-year-old joins the Jets after spending three seasons with the Falcons, who did not tender the restricted free agent. Poole should replace Buster Skrine as the Jets' slot corner after Skrine signed with Chicago.

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: Before free agency even officially began, the Jets had handed out $173 million worth of contracts on four new players, and that went with another $51.7 million in deals to bring back four of their own. They even tried to hand out another $100 million or so in contracts, before edge-rusher Anthony Barr changed his mind and center Matt Paradis signed somewhere else.

So the Jets have been busy, and there's no doubt that with the additions of running back Le'Veon Bell, linebacker C.J. Mosley and receiver Jamison Crowder, they are better than they were a few days ago.

But they're not done yet. They still have some cap room to spend and some holes to fill. Lucky for them, NFL free agency is still really only beginning and there are a bunch of good players left to sign:

It doesn't seem as if linebacker C.J. Mosley will be pulling an Anthony Barr.

Though the Jets have yet to officially announce the signing of Mosley -- they finally announced the Le'Veon Bell signing Thursday evening -- Mosley was at the Jets' training facility in Florham Park on Thursday as he shared a picture on his Instagram story with "New beginnings!" written on it.

How Jets' structure of Le'Veon Bell's contract further proves they won the deal

Bell's numbers in this deal compared to Steelers offer is much less

Mar 14 | 1:22PM

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(Charles LeClaire)

The numeric details of Le'Veon Bell's four-year, $52.5 million deal with the Jets were released on Thursday, and it is safe to say New York got themselves a great deal for one of the most dynamic weapons in the NFL.

Breaking it down, Bell will earn $14.5 million for the 2019 season, but will only count for a $8.5 million cap hit because of the $2 million from his signing bonus and $4.5 million roster bonus to go along with a $2 million base salary. His two-year total, then, comes to $26 million with $11.5 million coming his way while being a $13.5 million cap hit.

There is a potential out of his contract in 2021, and it would only be a $4 million cap hit. But, to keep Bell from potentially sitting out again, the Jets implimented two $3 million training camp reporting bonuses in 2021 and 2022, which comes after the $35 million in guaranteed money has been shelled out.

Kirk Cousins is a fan of Le'Veon Bell joining the Jets

Bell and Cousins were Michigan State teammates

Mar 14 | 12:43PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins drops back to pass against the New York Jets during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports)

Kirk Cousins infamously spurned the Jets last offseason to sign with the Minnesota Vikings.

But he's happy his former college teammate, Le'Veon Bell, is playing with New York.

Bell, who agreed to a four-year, $52.5 million deal with the Jets, tweeted how he's happy to be in green and white again, just like his Michigan State days. And Cousins made sure to salute his former teammate.

WATCH: What should Jets gameplan be with Le'Veon Bell?

Should the Jets have a "pitch count" for the Pro Bowler?

Mar 14 | 12:39AM

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Gameplan for Le'Veon Bell00:00:59

The Jets got Le'Veon Bell as a big piece for Sam Darnold. With a lot of mileage on him from Pittsburgh, will NY have Bell on a snap count?

Le'Veon Bell made his decision to come to the Jets late Tuesday night, as GM Mike Maccagnan got the man he wanted. Bell is expected to be a major impact for the offense, even with a full year of sitting out in 2018.

But how should the Jets deploy them? Bell got a heavy workload while in Pittsburgh, but the Jets may not want to use him the same way to make sure his body and performance hold up through the four-year contract.

The SNY Jets Crew discusses how Bell will impact the Jets this season, and if a "pitch count" is warranted for head coach Adam Gase to use...

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Jets losing two Pro Bowlers from 2018 season

Kicker Jason Myers and return specialist Andre Roberts won't return

Mar 13 | 12:49PM

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New York Jets kicker Jason Myers kicks a field goal during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. (Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports)

Two special-teams Pro Bowlers won't be returning to the Jets this year.

Jason Myers, who made the Pro Bowl in 2018, posted a thank you message to Jets fans Wednesday afternoon, and SNY's Ralph Vacchiano reports that Myers indeed isn't expected to return to the Jets. Additionally, the Jets are not expected to re-sign return specialist Andre Roberts, according to the Daily News.

Before the Odell Beckham Jr. trade madness and the Jets finally landing Le'Veon Bell on Tuesday night, the 49ers made a trade of their own for DE/OLB Dee Ford.

And with that trade, the Jets may have just won the Nick Bosa sweepstakes.

Bosa is arguably the best defensive end in an NFL Draft class that is stacked with many talented edge rushers. He is certainly on the Jets' radar to take at No. 3 overall, but the 49ers -- like many others -- have him on their big board as well. And San Francisco owns the pick before New York, so they could grab Bosa before the Jets have the chance...